Page 50 of Inventions of the Heart

“It feels wrong, sinful. I took those vows.”

“It’s a slow process, Mrs. Beaumont. But filing the papers, well, it would show your intent, it would give me some legal legs to stand on to sever your husband’s parental rights over your remaining unmarried daughter.”

When Mama agreed, the lawyer removed Edgar from any paternal rights over his adult stepdaughter. But the papers were only as good as the lawmen and judges brought in to enforce them. If Jilly fell into Edgar’s hands, she would be in danger.

“The proxy papers are in order. I’ve got your list of banks and supporting industries here in Sacramento. It also gives Mrs. Tillman the right to sit on all boards that you’re a part of.”

With Papa’s and Mama’s sharp investing skills, Stiles Lumber was involved in many of the biggest companies in Sacramento and San Francisco.

“I could handle the San Francisco businesses for you, too,” the lawyer went on. “But you’ll handle things faster there on your own. I’ll file the papers for divorce and guardianship. That will make your intent clear to the law, though it will have no real power.” He pursed his lips.

“I’ll remember.” Mama shook his hand, and they left the law office.

“Now we ride to San Francisco.” Mama adjusted her bonnet and pulled on her gloves. She clutched her reticule to her chest as if she needed to hang on to something while her world teetered. “Based on our San Francisco house and mountain home being owned by the company, we can bar Edgar from both places and put a stop to his use of the company bank accounts.”

Laura thought she saw a grayish tint to Mama’s skin and dark circles under her eyes. Only then did she realize how exhausting this all was for Mama. She worried about the long ride on horseback. Laura and Caleb seemed to have been walking or riding almost since they met. The few weeks in Purgatory were almost the only time they’d stopped moving. She was getting used to sitting a horse. But Mama had been as good as a prisoner for most of a year. She certainly hadn’t gone riding. She must be at the end of her strength.

“Mama, let’s take the train. It goes back and forth between Sacramento and San Francisco so often now. We can stable the horses here and use the streetcars there. I’m tired of riding.”

“That sounds like a good idea. I think there is a train running at least once a day.” Mama’s face brightened.

Laura decided that while they were in San Francisco, they’d make a few calls that were purely for fun. Mama was so hurt by her marriage and now the possibility of divorce.

Laura knew divorce was a scandalous thing. If such a choice was the only way to keep Jilly safe, Laura knew her mama would have to go through with it. She hoped Mama’s old friends wouldn’t shun her.

Prayerfully, Laura wondered how God really felt about such a thing. She repeated in her head the words Caleb had spoken about it. But breaking vows spoken before Him was a terrible thing.

But surely Mama needed to escape the pain and nightmarish fear of her marriage.

Laura caught hold of Caleb’s hand, and he turned to smile at her. She’d found a good man. And for that she truly, deeply thanked God.

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